Robert Gerrish

Robert L. "Bob" Gerrish, 75, of Sanford, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, February 27, 2011 at the Greenwood Center in Sanford.Bob was born in Sanford on November 22, 1935 to Noah and Mary (Otterbridge) Gerrish and attended local schools, graduating from Sanford High School in 1955. Following high school Bob enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served four years. After completing his enlistment he worked for several years at Moore Business Forms in Dover before opening Bob's Small Engine Repair in Sanford; a business he ran for over 30 years.Bob was a devoted Christian and his church family was very important to him. He was a member of The Bible Speaks Church in South Berwick. He liked flying planes and had been working towards his pilots license. When he was younger he enjoyed going boating and water skiing. Bob started playing drums when he was in junior high school and continued playing throughout his life, often playing in church. He was a member and Past Commander of the AMVETS post in Sanford. He was a devoted husband and lovingly cared for his wife when her health began to fail until her death in 2001. Bob was a kind and loving man and will be remembered for the positive attitude that he maintained throughout his life even as his health began to decline. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.Bob was predeceased by his wife, Doris (Uhlman) Gerrish. Surviving are a son, Ronald Butler of Sanford; a daughter, Bonnie Phaup and her husband Richard on Auburn, NH; five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 AM with a funeral following at 11:00 AM on Thursday, March 3rd, 2011 at the Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home, 580 Main Street in Springvale. Interment will be in the spring at Oakdale Cemetery in Sanford.Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, Memorial and Honor Program, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1905.To leave a message of condolence for the family please click on the condolences tab to the left.